Bruce Alastair Guaran
Wooragee,Australia
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven Manager with extensive experience in animal husbandry and breeding programs. Proven track record in budget development and effective communication, leading teams to achieve operational excellence. Skilled in livestock recording and pasture management, enhancing productivity and efficiency across diverse agricultural operations.
Overview
45
45
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Manager
Mulgoa Pastoral Company
Holbrook, NSW
03.2024 - Current
- All aspects of animal husbandry for sheep (Merino, Black Suffolk and Composite) and cattle operation
- Planning of work programs and managing other employees and contractors
- Feeding of animals in containment areas and managing feed inventories to ensure ongoing supplies
- Repairs and maintenance to machinery, infrastructure and water systems
- Implementation of current pasture program
- Please keep Confidential
Stone Axe Pastoral Company
02.2019 - 10.2023
- Cobungra Station was taken over by Stone Axe and I remained as manager until the position was made redundant.
Station Manager
Mark Suhr
Omeo, Victoria
11.2017 - 02.2019
- Manage and coordinate all aspects of animal husbandry, nutrition and breeding for the following;
- -1500 head breeding herd of commercial females consisting of Angus, Angus cross and Hereford breeds
- -3000 breeding herd of full blood wagyu cows
- Aspects of the detailed breeding program included working alongside staff and veterinary personnel to complete the following;
- - Artificial Insemination (AI) of approximately 1500 Wagyu females per year using Fixed Time Artificial Insemination (FTAI)
- - Embryo Transfer (ET) Program: Included implanting frozen embryos into the commercial herd. Up to 1500 embryo’s implanted annually
- - Collecting embryos from a large number of donor cows based on the station
- - Collect and record animal DNA
- - Utilising back up angus bulls to maintain replacement female numbers and in later years using wagyu bulls as backup over Recips
- Regularly monthly/quarterly review with relevant stake holders, stock reconciliation, budget and actual expenditure review and capital works proposals
- Maintenance of herd records for company and European Union to meet standards of accreditation utilising stockbook
- Sale of commercial weaner steers via Auctions Plus
- Utilising leasehold country in the foothills of Mount Hotham over summer for grazing to manage pasture over the winter months.
- Coordinate and ensure completion of feeding programs, farm and machinery maintenance, day to day operations and on farm housing
- Liaison with local land holders and government departments responsible for the administration of the summer grazing country which amounts to 26,000 Ha
- Fodder conservation and planning in favourable seasons (round hay bales and silage), purchasing of fodder for the winter period, maintaining an accurate inventory
- Feeding of stock as required, creep feeding of Wagyu calves and weaners to get them to either feedlot entry weights or joining weights
- Fodder cropping program to feed stock and allow for pasture renovation program
- Employing staff as required and utilising contractors. On the job training in all aspects of farming and ensuring implementation and adherence to safe work practices
- 'Cobungra Station', Great Alpine Road, Omeo Victoria
Senior Farm Manager
Ramu Agri Industries
Lae, Papua New Guinea
11.2010 - 09.2016
- Manage the following integrated farming system;
- - 8,000 head Brahman breeding cows, at times the total stock on hand numbered around 20,000
- -3000 head domestic market feedlot
- -6000 head per year company abattoir
- Reporting directly to company stakeholders. Completion of annual budgets (yearly and 5 year projections), proposing and organising capital expenditure works
- Extensive capital works program including several sets of new cattle yards, water infrastructure, and ongoing fencing for an area covering 20,000 Ha.
- Implementation of comprehensive breeding program to provide composite and first cross bulls utilising AI
- Completion of pasture program and fodder crop to provide sorghum and maize for silage
- Supervision of a large staff of national PNG people ensuring safety, welfare and achievement of production targets
- Procurement of supplies obtaining relevant permits and coordinating logistics for import
- Management of all aspects of animal husbandry, nutrition (on hand and supplementary) and ensure maintenance of on farm machinery and plant
- Leron Plains, Lae, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea (PNG)
Assistant Manager – Livestock
Jemalong Station, Twynam Pastoral Company
Forbes, Australia
07.2008 - 10.2010
- Management of the following;
- -1500 registered breeding cows targeted towards breeding high quality bulls
- -2500 commercial breeding herd
- -Development and implementation of an inaugural farm bull sale
- Implementing of all animal husbandry requirements and general farm management and maintenance to ensure operational efficiency. This also included A.I and some E.T programs.
- Maintaining accurate livestock records using both Excel and Stockbook computer programs
- Setting of annual budgets and capital expenditure in conjunction with the property manager
- Ensure all WHS policies are implemented and adhered to by all staff under my supervision
- Submission of all electronic data to Breed plan and the Angus Society. Submission of DNA samples for genetic testing
- Involved in the running of the Mount Feedlot for opportunistic feeding
- Implementation of the following capital works programs
- -Water trough upgrades in all paddocks
- -Cattle yard and fencing upgrades
- Cereal crop production for grain and grazing purposes. Irrigation via centre point irrigators to grow maize for silage production
- Training and responsibility for all staff
- RMB 1023 Forbes, NSW 2871, Australia
Operations Manager
Yambinya Feedlot
Burraboi, Australia
06.2007 - 06.2008
- Assisted in all management areas of the 15,000 head beef feedlot and the 45,000 head lamb feedlot.
- Organising all animal husbandry requirements which included crutching and shearing of lambs as inducted
- Managing staff of up to 30 people.
- Ensuring completion of all repairs and maintenance programs and pen cleaning
- Supervising capital works
- Storage and purchase of commodities
- Implementation of an WHS program and a staff training program
- Coordinate and plan cropping program which produced 15,000 - 20,000 tons of cereal, sorghum and maize silage. Some of this program was completed with flood
- Jimaringle Road, Burraboi NSW 2732
Manager
Maneroo Partnership
Heywood, Australia
01.2006 - 06.2007
- 5000 composite ewes for prime lamb production, lambs turned off as suckers and stores
- Completion of a synchronised AI program for joining and tagging at birth
- A capital improvement program consisting of paddock subdivision with electric fencing, forming of roads and contour drains.
- Working to and within budgets, assisting the owner to formulate budgets and capital improvements program
- Organisation of farm management calendar in conjunction with the owner
- Summer cropping and pasture renovation programs were undertaken with great success increasing the carrying capacity of the property. Hay was also made for use over the winter period
- Scheduling of all animal husbandry events and organisation of crutching, shearing, drenching, lamb marking and mulesing.
- Princes Hwy Heywood, Vic 3304, Australia
Director
B&T Spraying
Little River, Australia
10.2005 - 01.2006
- Operating machinery making hay and silage
- Maintaining machinery and plant and equipment
- Cutting and making hay and silage at the correct time for optimum feed quality
- Self-employed trading as B&T Spraying
Manager
MG Pastoral Co T/A Millwood Murray Greys
Werribee, Australia
09.1988 - 10.2005
- Managed all financial aspects of the farming enterprise over 17 years, including budgeting, cash book maintenance, and cheque transactions.
- Led the implementation of the Cattle Care QA program and participated in the National Johnes Market Assurance Program.
- Developed and implemented the WHS policy, including the creation of the manual.
- Oversaw a herd of 1,100 Murray Grey and Angus females, including registered stock that contributed to the successful Millwood Murray Grey and Angus Studs.
- Managed 4,000 Merino sheep for wool production, with a percentage joined to prime lamb sires and the remainder to Merino rams for replacement stock in the 20-micron flock.
- Directed a 3,000-head goat herd for meat production for the export market and alternative weed control.
- Ensured accurate collection and recording of all performance data, including carcass data from large steer groups.
- Led AI programs for 200-300 cows annually, as well as embryo transfer (ET) programs.
- Managed a 1,000-head feedlot, including feed rations and animal husbandry.
- Prepared sale bulls for on-property auctions.
- Oversaw a broadacre cropping program, including haymaking, silage production, and pasture renovation, with a focus on dryland Lucerne.
- Implemented large-scale weed control programs using both chemical and grazing methods.
- Spearheaded significant capital improvements, including tree planting, shed construction, water system upgrades, bore drilling, dam building, fencing, and paddock subdivision.
- Managed teams of up to 20 staff and subcontractors.
- PO Box 505 Werribee, Vic 3030, Australia.
Overseer
Nunyara Pastoral Co
Keith, Australia
07.1986 - 09.1988
- Sheep and cattle husbandry
- Pasture renovation
- Setting up water systems including bores and submersible pumps
- A previously unproductive block was developed into a productive and easily managed farm with fencing and other improvements
- Keith, SA 5267, Australia
Caretaker Manager
Bundoona Park
Coonalpyn, Australia
01.1986 - 06.1986
- All aspects of commercial sheep and cattle management
- Animal husbandry and the keeping of production records
- Experience in cereals and pasture renovation
- Coonalpyn SA 5265, Australia
Jackeroo
Stanbury Corriedale Stud
Ceres, Australia
01.1981 - 01.1984
- Hand on involvement in all facets of farm production, woolshed operations, hay making, fencing, maintenance, cropping, cattle/sheep production
- Devon Rd, Ceres Vic 3216, Australia
Education
Associate Diploma - Farm Management
Glenormiston Agricultural College
01.1985
Higher School Certificate -
Geelong Church of England Grammar School
01.1981
Skills
- MS Office applications
- Internet
- Pronto
- Budget development
- Report presentation
- On farm software
- Livestock recording
- Feed management
- Breeding programs
- Animal husbandry
- Paddock recording
- Stock Book
- Agri Webb
- Effective communication (written & verbal)
- Video conferencing
- Agricultural machinery operation
- Tractor operation
- Feed cart operation
- Spreader operation
- Pasture management
- Welding skills
- WHS principles
- Safety practices
- Team building
- Conflict resolution
- Staff supervision
Certification
- Current class C Victorian drivers’ licence
- Chemical users permit
- Tractor, ATV and UTV handling competency
- Certificate 2 in horticulture, operate and maintain chainsaws
- Category 2 workplace training certificate
- Completion of Prograze Grazing Course
- Certificate of Competency - Beef Program Management using Herd Magic 2000
Skills Inventory
- Strong computer skills utilising MS Office applications, internet, email and Pronto
- Development and presentation of monthly/yearly budgets and reports
- Experience using on farm software for livestock and paddock recording keeping such as Stock Book and Agri Webb
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Ability to operate agriculture machinery
- Mechanically minded with high welding skills
- Familiar with WHS principles in a workplace environment
- Strong management skills with over 30 years of experience
References
- David Bryant, RFM Managing Director, 0427 247 668
- Mark Suhr, Previous owner and employer at Cobungra Station, 0409 551 138
- Dr Reon Holmes, Holbrook Vet Centre, 0428 694 787
- Dr Andrew Todd, Vet and director of Holbrook Cattle Vets, 0428 362 374
- Andrew McFadyen, McFadyen Ag Consulting, Agronomist, 0436 191 186
- Damien Pendergast, Owner of Omeo Rural Supplies, 0458 591 271
- Bernard Flanagan, Farmer and Earthworks Contractor, 0427 846 771
- Daryl A Craig, Farmer, 0418 536 081
- Peter Roper, Farmer, 0428 941 952
Timeline
Manager
Mulgoa Pastoral Company
03.2024 - Current
Stone Axe Pastoral Company
02.2019 - 10.2023
Station Manager
Mark Suhr
11.2017 - 02.2019
Senior Farm Manager
Ramu Agri Industries
11.2010 - 09.2016
Assistant Manager – Livestock
Jemalong Station, Twynam Pastoral Company
07.2008 - 10.2010
Operations Manager
Yambinya Feedlot
06.2007 - 06.2008
Manager
Maneroo Partnership
01.2006 - 06.2007
Director
B&T Spraying
10.2005 - 01.2006
Manager
MG Pastoral Co T/A Millwood Murray Greys
09.1988 - 10.2005
Overseer
Nunyara Pastoral Co
07.1986 - 09.1988
Caretaker Manager
Bundoona Park
01.1986 - 06.1986
Jackeroo
Stanbury Corriedale Stud
01.1981 - 01.1984
Associate Diploma - Farm Management
Glenormiston Agricultural College
Higher School Certificate -
Geelong Church of England Grammar School